Nominate a Leader Who Embodies Kwanzaa’s Principles
AARLCC is seeking nominations for outstanding leaders and organizations who embody the Nguzo Saba (seven principles) of Kwanzaa. The deadline for submission is December 6, 2025.
In celebration of the seven principles of Kwanzaa, the African American Research Library and Cultural Center (AARLCC) and the Friends of AARLCC invite the community to participate in the Nguzo Saba Awards Program. This initiative honors seven individuals whose service, leadership, and values reflect the Nguzo Saba, the Seven Principles of Kwanzaa.
We are accepting nominations for individuals or organizations which embody one of the following principles:
- Umoja (Unity) – To strive for and maintain unity in the family, community, nation, and race.
- Kujichagulia (Self-Determination) – To define ourselves, name ourselves, create for ourselves, and speak for ourselves.
- Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility) – To build and maintain our community together and make our brothers’ and sisters’ problems our problems.
- Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics) – To build and maintain our own stores, shops, and other businesses and to profit from them together.
- Nia (Purpose) – To make our collective vocation the building and developing of our community in order to restore our people to their traditional greatness.
- Kuumba (Creativity) – To do always as much as we can, in the way we can, in order to leave our community more beautiful and beneficial than we inherited it.
- Imani (Faith) – To believe with all our heart in our people, our parents, our teachers, our leaders, and the righteousness and victory of our struggle.
Eligibility: Nominees may be individuals or organizations who have made a significant, positive impact on the Broward County community.
Who Can Nominate: Anyone may submit a nomination—community members, colleagues, students, and family members are encouraged to participate.
How to Nominate: Complete the official 2025 AARLCC Nguzo Saba Awards Nomination Form.
Deadline for Submissions: All nominations must be received by Saturday, December 6, 2025, at 5:00 p.m.
Selection Process: A community panel convened by AARLCC will review all submissions. One honoree will be selected for each of the Seven Principles based on demonstrated impact, leadership, and alignment with the values of Kwanzaa.
Recognition: The seven honorees will be publicly recognized during AARLCC’s Annual Kwanzaa Celebration on Saturday, December 27, 2025, held at the African American Research Library and Cultural Center, 2650 Sistrunk Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Each honoree will receive a Nguzo Saba Award and will be featured in AARLCC’s communications and social media channel.